Bassist Kelly McCarty leads a tenor sax trio with John A. Diaz-Cortes/ts and A.J. Hall/dr through a collection of well thought out originals. Usually, a tenor-bass-drum trio can be a foreboding concept, as many a team has fallen into the pit during brave attempts. The KM3 plays it smart by playing it safe: Only one song goes over 7 minutes, and most are clocking in around 3+, so there’s no time for navel gazing solos or uncomfortable pauses between the conversant. Diaz-Cortes’ tenor is warm, thick and chocolate-malt rich, and he can state a theme and solo with clarity, cohesion and concision. The interplay between the rhythm team is graceful and supportive, with the interplay as deft as a Bridge Team. A couple duets such as “Clarity’s Lullaby” display some digital dexterity by the leader, while Diaz-Cortes” fills the room on the ballad “Thinking of You.” Rich as Peruvian dark chocolate.
Offsuit Records
Www.kellymccartymusic.com